Caicedo explains £115m Chelsea transfer after snubbing Liverpool and Klopp

14 August 2023 , 18:49

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Moises Caicedo has completed his move to Chelsea

Moises Caicedo claims he "didn't have to think twice" about moving to Chelsea despite interest from Liverpool.

The Blues have sealed the midfielder's signature, paying a British record £115m to get him out of Brighton. Chelsea had been pushing to land Caicedo throughout the summer, seeing several bids rejected before they eventually sealed the deal ahead of their domestic rivals.

Liverpool looked to steal a march last week when they tabled a £110m bid to usurp Chelsea with Brighton claiming the bidding had ended. Caicedo though wanted to head to Stamford Bridge and was eventually allowed to move to his preferred destination.

The Ecuador international said: "I am so happy to join Chelsea! I am so excited to be here at this big club and I didn’t have to think twice when Chelsea called me, I just knew I wanted to sign for the club. It’s a dream come true to be here and I can’t wait to get started with the team."

Chelsea had been looking to add a quality defensive midfielder this summer and have landed their ideal target. Mauricio Pochettino has bought in several new faces but has now spent big to bring in a player who will compliment the likes of Enzo Fernandez in the middle of the pitch.

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Co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley said: "Moises has proved himself as a standout player in European football over the past 18 months, and we are thrilled to add him to Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. Moises possesses a rare midfield skill set and is a player we've been targeting for some time. We believe he will make a significant impact at Stamford Bridge this season – and in the years ahead."

The Blues could also beat Liverpool to the signing of Romeo Lavia, who could leave Southampton before the end of the window. The youngster is valued at £50m by the Saints with both Chelsea and the Reds still pursuing his signature.

Jurgen Klopp has seen both Fabinho and Jordan Henderson leave for Saudi Arabia. Neither were expected to leave and it means there is a notable void in Liverpool's midfield, which was exposed in their 1-1 draw with Chelsea on the opening weekend of the season.

The German said there was "no news" when asked for an update regarding Caicedo on Sunday afternoon and Liverpool may find themselves going back to the drawing board in the final weeks as they seek more new faces.

Samuel Meade